How Can I Make My PC Faster?

If you feel like your Windows-based PC is running slower than it should be, the good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to speed it up. Slow PCs are not only frustrating, but they can also completely derail a workday and even result in missed business opportunities.

Some common reasons for slow performance are:

• Outdated software
• Cluttered hard drives
• Too many unnecessary programs on startup
• Not enough RAM

However, there are several other things that can slow things to a crawl and we’re going to go through some we thing you may find helpful.

Remove Unnecessary Programs and Files

First, you need to remove unnecessary programs and files. Look for programs that you rarely use, haven’t used in a while, or installed by mistake. Getting rid of them will free up memory and storage space.

To get rid of them:

• Open your Control Panel.
• Locate the program(s) and click Uninstall. 

Additionally, you should search your hard drive for large files that you no longer use and delete duplicate files and folders that have been created by mistake.

Clean Out Your Registry

The Windows Registry holds a trove of information about your computer hardware and software configuration. Windows constantly uses the Registry and it can become cluttered with old, unnecessary files.

To clean out the registry, you will need to use a dedicated registry cleaner tool. There are many options available so be sure to do your research and find a reliable one.

Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

When you turn on your computer, it needs to load a variety of programs and services before it can be used. This process is known as the startup sequence, and some of these programs may not need to run when you start up.

You can disable these by going to Task Manager (right-click your taskbar and select Task Manager), then clicking on the Startup tab. From there, you can disable any programs that are not essential for startup.

Update Outdated Software and Drivers

Software and drivers that are out of date can slow down your PC, so it is important to keep them updated. To check for updates, open the Start menu and type Check for Updates in the search bar. Windows will then search your system and let you know if any of your software or drivers need updating.

Optimizing your PC’s Power Settings

Your power settings can also have a significant impact on your PC’s performance. To access the power options, open the Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound > Power Options. From here, you can configure your computer to use less energy when it is idle, as well as adjust other settings such as turning off the display after a set amount of time.

By optimizing your power settings, you can help your PC use as little energy as possible when it’s idle, reducing the strain on its resources. 

Adding more RAM

Another way to make your PC faster is to add more RAM. RAM (random access memory) helps speed up a computer’s performance by allowing it to process information more quickly. If you’re looking to upgrade your PC’s RAM, the first step is finding out how much RAM your system can support and what type of RAM it needs.

You can find out this information by going to the manufacturer’s website and entering your system’s model number or serial number. The site will then provide you with all the necessary information, such as what type of RAM is compatible and how many slots are available for adding more memory.

Utilizing an SSD

Solid-state drives (SSDs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their performance and storage capacity. They offer much faster data transfer speeds than traditional hard disk drives and can significantly speed up your PC’s performance. 

Installing an SSD is relatively straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes using a simple screwdriver. You can also buy SSDs with all the necessary mounting hardware and instructions included, making it even easier to upgrade your PC’s storage capacity. 

Once you have an SSD installed, be sure to configure your system settings so that programs and data are stored on the new drive for maximum performance benefits. Additionally, be sure to back up your data regularly, as SSDs are more susceptible to corruption than traditional hard drives. 

We Know…

Slow PCs SUCK! There was a time when some of us thought Windows was the bane of our existence and if truth be told, many of us still feel the same way. While “blue screen” issues might not be as prevalent as yonder years, there are still plenty of things that can frustrate Windows users but with the tips above, hopefully you can at least speed yours up a little.

By making a few simple changes, you can greatly improve your PC’s performance and speed without spending a lot of money. From cleaning out the registry and disabling unnecessary startup programs to updating outdated software and drivers, optimizing power settings, adding more RAM, and utilizing an SSD, you can get your slow PC running like new in no time.